FOR IP PROFESSIONALS

Our portfolio

We fall within the Industry, Innovation, Cimate Change, Science, Research and Tertiary Education portfolio as a prescribed agency under the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997, but operate independently of the Department on financial matters and with some degree of autonomy on other matters.

The Minister for Climate Change, Industry and Innovation, The Hon Greg Combet AM MP, has responsibility for us.

The Department of Industry, Innovation, Climate Change, Science, Research and Tertiary Education helps shape Australia's future economy through skills, learning, discovery and innovation. It works with the wider portfolio to accelerate productivity growth and secure Australia's prosperity in a competitive low carbon global economy. More information is available on the Department's website.

There are five other Ministers and two Parliamentary Secretaries responsible for the wider portfolio:

The Hon Dr Craig Emerson MP

Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research
Minister for Trade and Competitiveness
Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Asian Century Policy

The Hon Gary Gray AO MP

Minister for Resources and Energy
Minister for Small Business
Minister for Tourism

Senator The Hon Don Farrell

Minister for Science and Research
Minister Assisting for Tourism

The Hon Sharon Bird MP

Minister for Higher Education and Skills

Senator The Hon Kate Lundy

Minister for Sport
Minister for Multicultural Affairs
Minister Assisting for Industry and Innovation

The Hon Bernie Ripoll MP

Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business
Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer

The Hon Yvette D'Ath MP

Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change, Industry and Innovation

Information about all the portfolio Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries is available on the Ministers' website.

We are the Australian Government agency responsible for granting patent, trade mark, industrial design and plant breeders' rights. We also:

manage programs to educate and promote awareness of the benefit of effective protection and use of intellectual property (IP)
provide policy advice to government
develop legislation to support Australia's IP system
contributes to bilateral and multilateral negotiations to improve IP protection internationally

Australia's IP system is well regarded both nationally and internationally and is vital in promoting innovation, investment and international competitiveness.